Christmas Eve & Day at Marriott, Chakan | A Review

I spent a wonderful & different Christmas this year – with the best of all worlds – family, friends, good food and wine.

We were invited for a Christmas Eve Dinner at Marriott Chakan, along with night stay. A cheese factory tour was set-up for Christmas Day along with lunch.

Image Courtesy: Marriott, Chakan

The stay was amazing from the word Go! We were little late in reaching as V had a working day with calls which he couldn’t get out of as well as I have carpenters working on my kitchen. Sadly we had to miss the introductory drinks and cheese tasting.

Thankfully V decided to take off the next day so that I could fully enjoy the rest of the stay and events planned.

Christmas Eve & Day at Marriott, Chakan | A Review

Marriott has always been a name to reckon with. Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre also hosted #Pune #Foodies #Brunchup 2 months ago. Courtyard by Marriott Chakan was no different. They were a gracious and loving host and floored us with a warm welcome and loving hospitality.

The property houses 175 rooms perfect for chilling when you come back from work day in the industrial hub of Chakan or you are looking for a getaway to relax with your family. Whatever the mood and intent be this would suit you great! It is also a LEED certified and eco-friendly hotel. I loved the concept of conserving water, on request complimentary kits, etc. It speaks of conscious and aware existence.

This hotel is perfect for hosting business meetings, corporate events and even weddings! This makes me wish to get married again! May be to renew vows!

Christmas Eve & Day at Marriott, Chakan | A Review

They also have a No-Dustbin policy, where no body is allowed to waste food. They have a tie-up with an NGO in Chakan, whatever is leftover from the meal prepared is given to the NGO to distribute. For me this speaks a lot. My mother has taught me to not waste and be frugal in kitchen. I was happy to see this being applied to luxury hotel as well.

We were welcomed into the property with a traditional tikka and smiles. We checked into our rooms – which were functional, comfortable and simple luxury.

Christmas Eve & Day at Marriott, Chakan | A Review

We soon joined the others in the dining area – Cafe MoMo where a scrumptious spread was laid out. From carved Turkey to chicken, to pasta, to Dal Makhani, salads and wow!

The food was scrumptious, beautiful to look at and service amazing. V says he has never eaten better Turkey or chicken. I take his word for it. For me Dal Makhani was a winner.

Christmas Eve & Day at Marriott, Chakan | A Review

The outstanding part of the fare was desserts! They were just wow! The Mango Saffron Cheesecake just melted in my mouth, Yule Log is also worth mentioning. The dessert counter had a huge variety and I refrained myself from devouring all. Can’t help but to watch out for calories as I am finding it difficult to get back into shape post my younger one.

The only disappointment to the evening was the drink served. I had asked for a 30 ml peg of Bacardi with Coke, it was served in a tall glass with loads of ice. I was taken aback as I have never had a 30 ml served like this. I chose wine after that to be safe.

All in all a perfect Christmas Eve spent which ended in a cozy sleep in comfortable surroundings.

Christmas Eve & Day at Marriott, Chakan | A Review

Morning was fresh with a view of the trucks and highway, calling us to go on a road trip. Hmmm. Someday!

After a hearty Breakfast, again spread beautifully and tastefully, we set out for a Gowardhan cheese factory and Pride of Cow Milk Dairy Farm visit some 30 kms ahead of Marriott. Mr. Desai, HR Head & Madhuri from Dairy Tourism took us around.

Christmas Eve & Day at Marriott, Chakan | A Review

I’ve been to several factory visits – fibre, fabric, garments, even potato chips. But this was different.

It was fun, food and loads of chitter-chatter!

Image Courtesy: Marriott, Chakan

It was very enjoyable to watch how cheese is manufactured in assembly line. We even managed a few seconds dip in the frost in Blast Freezer. Chilly and perfect for Christmas!!!

We also first hand saw how and why Pride of Cow milk is a premium milk. The precision, automation and thorough check to ensure a consistent and good quality milk untouched by human hand is a mind-blowing process.

A drive back to Courtyard by Marriott Chakan and quick good byes to everyone and we were back to our home with great memories and smiles. I would love to re-visit and call upon CY Chakan hospitality just to spend a lazy weekend or weekday or any day! It is a perfect getaway close to the city and yet away from the city.

Special mention to Raghav, Kshitija, Shruti & Sneha was organising this lovely experience.